If you are looking for a great drone to use with a camera, a good option right now is the DJI Phantom 2.
However there are two different options for those interested in filming/photography: mounting a GoPro camera on your Phantom or getting the Phantom 2 Vision + with integrated camera.
At the time of writing, I think that the best version of the Phantom 2 Vision Plus, with upgraded drone technology, flight time and camera technology, is the:
DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ V3.0 Quadcopter with FPV HD Video Camera and 3-Axis Gimbal
and the best version for use with GoPro Hero is the:
DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter with Zenmuse H3-3D 3-Axis Gimbal for GoPro Video Camera
For those interested in aerial photography and video, how is the performance of Phantom Vision vs GoPro?
The Drone
The Drones are very similar, with the version with integrated camera being a bit more expensive. They have the same 5,200-mAh battery, and this gives them a similar flight time of around 25 minutes.
They are basically the same drone, but there is one big difference in the technology, there is no FPV (First Person View) and live streaming with the GoPro mounted Phantom 2.
The FPV helps you to get the best footage, and it enhances the flying fun.
To be without FPV in the GoPro version is really not that great, but you can buy the DJI Phantom FPV Kit for GoPro Hero (7″ LCD, 5.8 Ghz, 500ft Range) that enables FPV.
The Camera
The Phantom 2 Quadcopter with Zenmuse is adapted for use with the GoPro Hero 3 (the GoPro Hero 4 is the same size and works just as well), how does that camera compare to the integrated camera in the DJI Phantom 2 version?
The Phantom 2 with integrated camera has a 1080p 30/60i video camera that enables you to get FPV with Wi-Fi to your mobile device. The FPV will show you on screen real-time flight parameters. The video is in full HD and you get a 4GB micro SD card.
The photos are taken in 14 MP.
There is an adapter to be able to use different filters on the camera lens and you will get a 300 m Wi-Fi connection. There is also an app to share and store your photos and videos on-line.
The GoPro Hero 3+ shoots in 1080p60 video and the photos are 10 mega-pixels. Wi-Fi is built into the camera, so that it can be controlled remotely, and you can also share and store the photos and videos on Youtube and Facebook. The GoPro 3 + is waterproof to 131’ (40m).
The photos are taken in 10 MP.
The Gimbal
They both come with a 3-axis gimbal, which helps you get great stability and very smooth video.
Video Examples
Phantom 2 Vision Plus with integrated camera
Video comparison: DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus vs GoPro
Flexibility
The big advantage of the GoPro is its flexibility. Not only can you use it on your drone, but you can use it in your car, on your helmet, when you are hiking, when you dive (waterproof to 40 m) and even on your dog!
Conclusion
If you want to use your camera for more than just flying with your quad, your best choice is to get the DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter with Zenmuse for GoPro.
You will get a flexibility that the integrated camera can not offer.
>>> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Package Including GoPro Hero 4
You can now also get the Phantom 2 with Zenmuse together with a GoPro Hero 4 camera.
This package includes the Zenmuse 3D 3-axis gimbal for smooth images and video.
Update: this package is no longer available.
If you only need the camera for flying we recommend getting the Phantom 2 Vision+ and 3-Axis Gimbal.
It offers great functionality and stability with the 3-axis gimbal, and it takes great pictures with 14MP vs 10 MP of the GoPro Hero 3+.
It has updated drone technology, camera technology and flight time.
>>> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon! <<<
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How do they perform when not connected to wifi? Can they transmit over radio frequencies? Do they have a way to connect different transmitters to them so you can transmit over different frequencies like 5.8 GHz or 2.4 GHz?
Hello,
I have a Pahnton 4 and a Duo flir camera. Do you have the gimbal?
Thanks